USA Today via Reuters
Oct 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham (left) and forward LeBron James (6) react in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham (left) and forward LeBron James (6) react in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers? opening match of the season was a disappointing one, for both the fans and the players. They lost to the previous year?s champions Denver Nuggets with 119-107 on the scoreboard. And the reason was pretty evident.?
The Lakers were actually leading by seven points the 29 minutes that forward LeBron James was playing. The 19 minutes that he sat out, they were outscored by 19 points. This was shocking because LeBron played this length only once last season. And that was because he was injured. Restricting the play time of the most experienced player in the roster seems preposterous.?
LeBron James is also disappointed by this decision
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While talking to the media, James shared, “I mean, I always want to be on the floor, especially when you have an opportunity to win a game and you feel you can make an impact. But I guess there’s a system in place and I’ll follow it.”
LeBron James on his limited minutes:
“I mean, I always want to be on the floor, especially when you have an opportunity to win a game and you feel you can make an impact. But I guess there’s a system in place and I’ll follow it.”
? Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) October 25, 2023
Despite the short time, James still played exceptionally well. He scored 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one 3-pointer on 62.5% shooting.
Read More: Lakers Fans are Unhappy With Darvin Ham?s Comments on LeBron James? Future
With such a performance, why would they choose to make him sit out??
HC Ham says this could follow for the season
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While also speaking to the media, coach Darvin Ham explained that this strategy could follow for the entire 2023-2024 season. Theoretically, one can understand why they would choose. LeBron is in his 21st season and is the oldest player in the NBA this season. He has played 65,000 minutes, more than any other player in the history of the game. While he has managed to maintain his health, nothing is assured. He missed 27 games last season due to a serious foot injury.?
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
To put it simply, a healthy LeBron is crucial for the Lakers to get through the playoffs and to the finals. But would it be useful, if they fail to get to that point. Judging by today’s performance, that situation seems very likely.?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Entering His 21st Year, Shannon Sharpe Asserts LeBron James? NBA Reign Is Far From Over
The only answer to this conundrum is for the younger players Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent to step up and carry the game. They didn?t do it on Tuesday, but let?s hope they pick up better as the season progresses.?
